Many people believe that cockroaches will outlive us all and, while that's still a possibility, they're not nearly as indestructible as their preceding reputation. Regardless, cockroaches are resistant to most chemicals, pesticides, and extermination methods, so it's not easy to get rid of an infestation. We've got all the information you need about what works against cockroaches, what methods fall flat, and the most reliable way to eradicate an infestation.
What Attracts Roaches To Your Home
Clean or dirty, there are many reasons why people have cockroach infestations in their homes. Most homeowners assume that only dirty homes struggle with infestations, but cockroaches aren't picky about where they invade – every home has food, water, and shelter. Homes with moisture problems are more susceptible to cockroach infestations, though, as well as homes without proper food and trash storage.
Ten Ways To Kill Cockroaches In Your Home
There are all kinds of articles on the internet that claim to know what kills cockroaches the best, but many methods are ineffective against an infestation. We've compiled the top ten ways to kill and deter cockroaches from your property:
- Proper food and trash storage – Airtight containers for pantry foods and tight-fitting lids for trash cans will reduce accessibility to food and deter cockroaches from infesting your home.
- Maintain a cleaning schedule – Sweep, mop, and vacuum regularly to prevent food particles from collecting on your floor. Wipe down counters and food prep areas. Never leave food or dirty dishes sitting out overnight.
- Address moisture issues – Cockroaches love environments with excessive moisture. Fix leaky pipes, clean out gutters, aerate your soil, and repair any extensive water damage.
- Boric acid and sugar – Boric acid is toxic for cockroaches, but they can't resist sugar. Mix boric acid and sugar into a paste and place it around concealed locations around your home. Boric acid is toxic to animals as well, though, so use this method with caution.
- Baking soda and sugar – Baking soda is non-toxic to animals but highly toxic to cockroaches. Mix baking soda and sugar into a paste and place it around hot-spot areas.
- Sticky traps – Sticky traps with a strong adhesive will thin the population of an infestation. Place these traps in secluded areas with some bait and replace them regularly.
- Store-bought roach bait – Tube applicators and roach motels are effective for cockroaches. Place the bait in areas where cockroaches are prevalent.
- Liquid applicators – Liquid pesticides create barriers around your home that cockroaches can't cross without dying.
- Cockroach pesticide bombs – Pesticide bombs fumigate the area, including hard-to-reach nesting locations, but they contaminate your home with harmful chemicals as well.
- Professional pest control – Nothing is more effective and reliable than professional pest control from your local Pensacola pest control company.
These methods have been tested and are proven to help in eliminating cockroach infestations. Some of them are dangerous, though, so use caution when handling chemicals and pesticides.
What Doesn't Work When Trying To Get Rid Of Cockroaches
Most ineffective extermination methods lean towards homeopathic techniques. There are all-natural treatment options, such as boric acid and baking soda, but these natural products won't take care of your roach problem:
- Essential oils
- Citrus and citrus peels
- Liquid fabric softener
- Bay leaves
- Cucumbers
- Catnip
- Beer traps
Some of these methods even provide food for cockroaches. High concentrations of essential oils are also dangerous to both pets and humans, and beer traps will make your home smell awful.
Professional Cockroach Control Can Be A Huge Help
No matter how hard you try, at-home cockroach pest control is never as effective as professional pest control. Store-bought products may thin the population, but they also introduce harmful chemicals and poisons into your home, and they're never truly effective against an entire infestation. If you want to get rid of cockroaches naturally, then you need EnSec Of Florida. Our company specializes in eco-friendly treatments, which means our pest control methods are safe for your family and property. Save yourself some time and get in contact with us today for your pest control needs – you'll wonder why you didn't call us sooner!